Hyundai Strengthens Education Initiatives in Coastal Georgia

Rhea-AI Summary

Hyundai Motor has announced significant educational investments in Coastal Georgia's STEM initiatives. The company has partnered with the SAE Foundation to implement the A World In Motion (AWIM) PreK-12 program in Bryan County School District, reaching approximately 800 fourth-grade students.

The company has also expanded its partnership with the H2GP Foundation, implementing the Hydrogen STEM and RC Programs in Bryan County. The program includes sponsoring 16 teams for the Georgia Hydrogen Grand Prix, with winners advancing to the H2GP World Finals in Germany.

Additionally, Hyundai has donated $25,000 to Georgia Southern University for STEM scholarships, bringing their total contribution to $55,000. These initiatives are strategically aligned with Hyundai's presence in the region, particularly near their new electric vehicle plant, Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Bryan County.

Positive

• Strategic investment in future workforce near new EV plant location
• Building local community relations and brand presence in Georgia
• Creating potential talent pipeline for HMGMA facility

Negative

• None.

• Hyundai partners with the SAE Foundation^SM to deliver SAE International's award-winning A World In Motion^® PreK-12 STEM education program in Bryan County School District
• Hyundai and the H2GP Foundation deliver the Hyundai Hydrogen STEM and RC Programs to middle and high school students in Bryan County
• Hyundai donates $25,000 to Georgia Southern University for STEM scholarships

SAVANNAH, Ga., March 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai recently announced its continued investment in Coastal Georgia's educational sector, particularly through science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) initiatives, including:

• Partnership with the SAE Foundation to deliver SAE International's award-winning A World In Motion (AWIM) PreK-12 STEM education program in the Bryan County School District
• Implementation of the Hyundai Hydrogen STEM and RC programs with partner H2GP Foundation in Bryan County
• Continued investment into Georgia Southern University, providing funds for scholarships that will be given to undergraduate students pursuing degrees in STEM

The area is home to the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA), Hyundai Motor Group's first dedicated electric vehicle mass-production plant in Bryan County, Georgia.

"At Hyundai, we believe quality education holds the key towards bright futures for children," said Brandon Ramirez, director, corporate social responsibility, Hyundai Motor North America. "Coastal Georgia has quickly become another home for Hyundai. It is important that we invest in the local community by bringing educational opportunities to students, especially in STEM, and inspire career pathways for those interested in careers at HMGMA."

A World in Motion (AWIM) with SAE International^®
SAE International's AWIM is an inquiry-based learning experience that brings STEM concepts to life, equipping students for success in future education, careers, and life. It combines practical, hands-on learning with mentorship from volunteers sharing their personal journey and knowledge. AWIM's skimmer challenge was implemented in fourth grade classrooms across Bryan County School District, with a total participation of around 800 students. During the challenge, students designed and built fan-propelled paper sailboats focusing on core concepts such as air resistance, propulsion, surface area, and more. The curriculum also included real world connections to HMGMA's renewable energy resources, emission reduction technologies, and career paths. It also focused on teaching general teamwork and collaboration skills.

"AWIM's skimmer challenge has been a valuable hands-on learning experience for our fourth graders, sparking curiosity and problem-solving skills that will serve them for years to come," said Jonathan Shearer, Ed.D., director, CTAE, Federal and Special Programs, Bryan County Schools. "We are deeply grateful to Hyundai for this investment in our students, as it not only strengthens their STEM foundation but also introduces them to real-world applications and future career pathways."

Expanded Partnership with H2GP Foundation
Hyundai has been implementing its Hydrogen STEM Program with partner H2GP Foundation over the past three years in schools and community organizations across the country, fostering curiosity and innovation in sustainable energy. To date, the program has reached over 1,000 students throughout the states of California, Georgia, Michigan, and Alabama. Last week, the program took place at Bulloch County Boys & Girls Club, where students built their own hydrogen-powered model vehicles, incorporating recycled materials and sustainable design principles. Afterwards, students tested their vehicles on a Hyundai-branded racetrack. The curriculum introduces students to the fundamentals of hydrogen fuel cells, clean energy, and real-world engineering applications, while also showcasing the work Hyundai is doing in the clean energy sector.

In expansion of this partnership with the H2GP Foundation, Hyundai also sponsored 16 teams in Bryan County for the inaugural Georgia Hydrogen Grand Prix as part of the Hyundai RC Program. This hands-on STEM competition challenges students to design, build, and race hydrogen-powered RC cars, equipping them with essential engineering, renewable energy, and automotive technology skills. The winning team will earn a coveted spot at the H2GP World Finals in Chemnitz, Germany in August 2025, where they will compete on a global stage. Additionally, the top all-girls team will be part of the Girls in STEM competition. Hyundai's partnership with the H2GP Foundation helps align students with career and technical education (CTE) pathways, offering students practical experience in design, project management, and teamwork while fostering industry connections.

Georgia Southern University
Hyundai and Georgia Southern University are entering their third year of partnership, with Hyundai donating $25,000 towards STEM scholarships for undergraduate students. This brings the lifetime donation total to $55,000 to Georgia Southern, to support students studying in STEM fields as they are the future generation of scientists, engineers, and more, especially with HMGMA operating nearby.

SAE Foundation
Funds raised by the SAE Foundation support SAE International's award-winning A World In Motion® (AWIM®) PreK-12 STEM education program, SAE University Programs, awards and STEM scholarships. SAE's STEM curriculum enables students to connect classroom learning with real-life application and develop the 21st century skills needed to succeed in real-world work environments. SAE's STEM programs have reached more than 6 million students worldwide and engaged more than 30,000 STEM industry professionals as volunteers. SAE is the only organization with a comprehensive continuum of Pre-K through College Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education programs. Read more about SAE Foundation's impact.

H2GP Foundation
The H2GP Foundation provides accessible, affordable, and engaging educational programs aimed at training a new generation of leaders in hydrogen and sustainable energy. The Foundation is dedicated to providing students with a strong foundational understanding of renewable energy concepts through hands-on learning while empowering today's young minds and nurturing them into leaders, innovators, and future stewards of the environment. The Foundation plays a key role in creating academic and professional pathways for young people to participate in the emerging green economy, while bridging the renewable energy knowledge gap in underserved communities.

Georgia Southern University
Georgia Southern University, a public Carnegie Doctoral/R2 institution founded in 1906, offers approximately 155 different degree programs serving more than 27,500 students through 10 colleges on three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, Hinesville and online instruction. A leader in higher education in southeast Georgia with expert faculty, the University is focused on public impact research and engaging learning opportunities through knowledge and know-how that prepare our students to take ownership of their lives, careers and communities. Visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu.

Hyundai Motor America
Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company's Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, and several cutting-edge R&D facilities. These operations, combined with those of Hyundai's 835 independent dealers, contribute $20.1 billion annually and 190,000 jobs to the U.S. economy, according to a published economic impact report. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com.

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SOURCE Hyundai Motor America

FAQ

How much has Hyundai (HYMTF) invested in Georgia Southern University STEM scholarships?

Hyundai has donated $25,000 in 2025, bringing their total contribution to $55,000 for STEM scholarships at Georgia Southern University.

How many students does Hyundai's AWIM program reach in Bryan County Schools?

The AWIM program reaches approximately 800 fourth-grade students in Bryan County School District.

What is the prize for winning the Georgia Hydrogen Grand Prix sponsored by Hyundai (HYMTF)?

The winning team earns a spot to compete at the H2GP World Finals in Chemnitz, Germany in August 2025.

How many states has Hyundai's Hydrogen STEM Program reached so far?

The program has reached over 1,000 students across four states: California, Georgia, Michigan, and Alabama.